In this tech guide, we’re back to Bentley. Here we have a rather nice Continental GTC that’s in need of an all-too-common repair: fitting a new electronic parking brake (EPB) motor.
Before we start, there are a couple of important points to mention. First, as covered previously, whenever you’re working on a GT or GTC, it is vital to put it into ‘Jack Mode’ before lifting. If you don’t, the self-leveling system will exhaust its air trying to maintain ride height, risking suspension collapse when lowered.
Second, the final part of this job involves initialising the new motor, and that requires diagnostic kit. If you don’t have your own, you might like to take advantage of the Flying Spares loan scheme. The company can lend you a VAS5054A diagnostic laptop with Bluetooth OBD dongle, the same as they use at the factory. Click here for more information or simply speak to the Flying Spares team for more details.
There are a few telltale signs that an EPB motor might be on its way out: an exaggerated whining noise, or the parking brake sticking and getting noticeably harder to apply or release. Sometimes one might fail completely, and you will feel a lack of grip on one side; sometimes they both wear out at around the same time.
Often the plastic casing will crack, and this will usually be highlighted by an MoT advisory. No surprise really, when you consider the many, many EPB cycles, plus repeated exposure to the heating and cooling of the brakes. Once water gets in, that’s a real problem.
The good news is that Flying Spares has introduced this part as a standalone aftermarket item. The EPB motor was previously only available either as a genuine product from Bentley or in a bundle with the caliper. The company is always looking to fill gaps in its range and provide more quality and choice, hence this addition.
As always, the usual caveats apply. Please note that these articles are intended as general guidance only. For model-specific instructions, please refer to your owner’s manual. Finally, and we can’t emphasise this enough, safety is paramount; please use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and dispose of waste products responsibly. Good luck and mind your head!
If you have any questions, queries, or tips, contact Flying Spares on 01455 292949 or email sales@flyingspares.co.uk.
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